Figure 2

Simplified cartoon of P-glycoprotein structure and function: The P-glycoprotein molecule spans the cell membrane and in this way is in contact not only with the membrane but also the inside and the outside of the cell. The central portion of the molecule is a channel or pore through which toxic chemicals are pumped back out into the environment. The toxic chemicals can enter the transport pore either from the interior of the cell or from its membrane as shown. Molecules of ATP power the pumping action.